Boeing 747 remains vital as airlines extend service life amid cargo demand

The main area where the 747 has found renewed purpose is in cargo transport. The freighter version can carry up to about 140 metric tonnes of payload—more than any twin-engine competitor—and features a nose door that allows for loading oversized cargo such as turbines or aerospace parts. UPS operates the largest fleet of these freighters with 30 aircraft; Atlas Air manages more than 50 across different variants. Airlines like Cargolux and Cathay Pacific Cargo also rely on the jumbo jet’s capabilities.

Lufthansa continues to promote its use of the aircraft as part of its brand identity and has invested in cabin refurbishments between 2022 and 2024 to keep up with passenger expectations. These upgrades include updated lighting, WiFi connectivity, and new seating materials.

The economics behind keeping these jets in service are significant. For freight carriers, replacing a fully paid-off Boeing 747-8F would require buying a new widebody freighter costing between $250 million and $330 million at current list prices. While newer planes like the Boeing 777F offer better fuel efficiency, they cannot match the payload capacity of the larger jet without increasing flight frequency and associated costs.

For passenger airlines like Lufthansa, maintaining an existing fleet is often less expensive than transitioning to new types due to already established maintenance infrastructure and lower ownership costs despite higher fuel consumption per flight hour.

The durability and adaptability of the airframe have contributed to its longevity. Some frames have surpassed over 90,000 flight hours without structural issues. Upgrades such as modern avionics systems and ongoing cabin refits help ensure compliance with current regulations and passenger comfort standards.

Passenger versions such as Lufthansa’s -400 series are expected to retire by around 2028; however, newer -8 variants could continue flying well into the next decade or beyond. Cargo operators foresee their fleets remaining viable for another two or even three decades.

Experts believe that even after most commercial operators retire their fleets, specialized uses—including VIP transport and military applications—will keep some examples flying for many years. For instance: “The US Air Force One replacement, two 747-8i aircraft, will likely serve until at least 2055,” ensuring continued visibility for this model.

Despite no longer representing cutting-edge technology in commercial aviation design, industry observers note that “the Queen of the Skies” maintains relevance thanks to her unmatched capacity and versatility—a testament to both innovation and endurance in aviation history.